Welcome to The Gigabit Challenge, a global business plan competition to find disruptive ideas that will turn the tech industry upside-down and change the world.

The Gigabit Challenge is focused on unique applications that are enabled by Google's first-in-the-nation 1 Gigabit Fiber network. It is a business plan competition looking for the brightest, hungriest and most passionate entrepreneur superstars who are looking to think big...with a gig.

Individuals, teams or businesses with an idea, a complete business plan, or an early-stage operating business are invited to enter for the chance to work on the first-in-the-nation Google Fiber network and a prize valued at $100,000. We hope that you will use the opportunity provided by the Google Fiber network to not only develop next-generation businesses, but to help establish an ecosystem that will cause innovation and disruptive technologies to surge throughout Kansas City and the world.

Although we are only half way through The Gigabit Challenge Finale at the Kansas City Public Library, a lot has happened. So much has happened, in fact, that it calls for a quick post about recent announcement, Finalist presentations and Gigabit news!

Currently, #GBFinale is the number one trending topic on Twitter in Kansas City! Thanks to all of our social media gurus out there for posting your thoughts about the big event. Keep your 140 character posts coming...we love learning what you think!

Currently, Paruzia Technologies is in first place for the People's Choice Award with 30.5% of votes. TiBi.tv is in close second with 22.2% of votes. Keep the votes coming! Vote for your favorite Gigabit Challenge Finalist on our live webcast page: http://www.gigabitchallenge.com/live.

This morning, Senator Jerry Moran announced his position to help stop SOPA. To read more about Senator Moran's speech, check out our most recent blog post here.

We have seen standout pitches from a number of great companies. So far, we have seen presentations from Risk Analytics, Photaic, Virtual Real World Wallet Systems, Courthouse USA, GET-GIV-GOT System Technologies, Kauzu, Somametric and Hong. Congratulations to those who have presented and good luck for those who are yet to take the stage!

WRITTEN BY ALLISON WAY, SENIOR COPYWRITER & CHIEF EDITORThis morning at The Gigabit Challenge Finale, Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan) announced his efforts to stop the SOPA Act that is currently taking a toll on modern entrepreneurs, innovators and startup companies.

Stop Online Piracy Act (also known as SOPA) is a bill that would expand the ability of U.S. law enforcement and copyright holders to fight online trafficking in copyrighted intellectual property and counterfeit goods. The bill, however, will prevent tech entrepreneurs from continuing to innovate with the speed and flexibility that we are currently used to.

Senator Moran announced this morning that he is going to fight to stop SOPA from passing.

"In our opinion, the damage that SOPA could cause is so great for entrepreneurs," said Senator Moran. "They will not be able to innovate like they do now. There has to be a better way to solve this online problem."

Senator Moran believes that the best way to solve the problem is by the creation of what he called the Open Act. "We want to make this a legislation as well...and do it the right way," he says.

Senator Moran's focus is for the SOPA bill to not exceed 60 votes. The Senator believes that this will be a difficult task due to the broad support that SOPA has received.

"We need to think about what SOPA means for entrepreneurs and small businesses," said Senator Moran this morning. "We need to make sure that entrepreneurs understand the threat and connect them with elected officials."

This announcement could not have occurred at a better time--on the same day that huge tech companies such as Wikipedia and Reddit are protesting SOPA with website "blackouts".

Keep up to date with more announcements from The Gigabit Challenge on Twitter at @GBChallengeKC or online at www.gigabitchallenge.com.

The big day is almost here! The Gigabit Challenge Finale event is just two days away. We are very excited to share this day with you. We have put in a lot of blood, sweat and tears to make this day extra special for our Finalists, judges and of course, for YOU!

Below are a few housekeeping items you may want to keep in mind while attending The Gigabit Challenge Finale on Wednesday, January 18th:

The Gigabit Challenge Finale will take place at the Kansas City Public Library (Plaza Branch) at 4801 Main Street in the Truman Forum Auditorium. Click here for a map and directions.

Registration can be found in the library lobby. Please check in with your printed ticket which can be downloaded from the link below.

T-shirts will be available for purchase throughout the day – bring extra cash if you’re interested (we think you might be!)

Come early and join us for a continental breakfast from 7:00 – 8:00 AM, courtesy of Pierpont’s.

We will break for lunch from 12:00 – 1:00 PM. Please be prepared to provide your own lunch or check out local Kansas City restaurants nearby like The Mixx and Chipotle.

Be sure to follow The Gigabit Challenge at @GBChallengeKC and use #GBFinale during the event. Click here to learn more about how The Gigabit Challenge is going social.

Our People’s Choice Award poll will take place throughout the day. Be sure to check www.gigabitchallenge.com/live to cast your vote during the event or grab one of our voting sheets at the registration table. Tell your friends too—they can even view The Gigabit Challenge Finale via live webcast!